Research furthers efforts to empower women to achieve their personal and professional goals. The Center for Women in Business conducts research with leading institutions to explore women’s business issues and highlight their economic potential.

The Honorable Margaret Spellings, former president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, says, "For 100 years, the Chamber has consistently promoted and supported the cause of free enterprise. Successful businesswomen personify free enterprise and it is central to the Center for Women in Business that we support women as they work to achieve their professional goals and potential."

Women-Owned Businesses: Carving a New American Business Landscape

This research highlights the growing impact of women entrepreneurs and small business owners on the American economy and how women are reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape. In particular, we examine the “1099 economy” and the women who have started their own micro-enterprises either out of choice or necessity. The research also provides powerful examples of systems and programs that encourage and support women’s business initiatives in communities around the United States.

Research shows that the best indicator of a woman’s success is her network. To this end, CWB seeks to help women in all stages of their careers build their professional network, share ideas and experiences, and gain insight on their personal and professional goals.

One of the best ways to build a network and gain insight on one's goals is to have a mentor or be a mentor.

Questions to Ask a Mentor

What’s the best advice you can give to help plan a career rather than simply work to keep a job?

How do you encourage innovative ideas?

How would you describe your personal style?

Do you have a mentor? How have they influenced you?

What do you do to constantly challenge your underlying beliefs and assumptions?

Would you do anything differently if given the opportunity?

How and where do you find inspiration?

How do you keep your feelings separate from your decision-making?

What values are you committed to?

How do you balance your work and home life?

Do you have any books that you would suggest I read?

Tips for a Successful Mentoring Session

Prepare and ask relevant questions.

Be respectful of your mentor’s time and experience.

Ask if you can follow up and exchange contact information.

Afterwards, ask yourself what you learned from the meeting and how you can apply your new knowledge.

Thank your mentor for their advice with an email or personalized note.

Recognizing the importance of women entrepreneurs, women business leaders, and the impact women are making on the global economy, chambers around the country are increasingly building programs that facilitate the advancement of women in business. The Center for Women in Business supports the initiatives of these chambers and offers meaningful support to further advance these efforts.

WEConnect International - WEConnect International empowers women business owners outside the United States through training, certification and access to corporations so that they can compete successfully in the global markets.

U.S. Small Business Administration - The Office of Women’s Business Ownership's mission is to establish and oversee a network of Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) throughout the United States and its territories.

Meetup Groups – Find a Women Small Business Oweners Meetup Group near you.

The materials on this website have been developed for educational purposes only. We urge you to consult with an attorney or benefit consultant to understand your legal obligations under the law. Please contact an attorney or benefit consultant to verify how the law will affect your specific company, benefit offering, and scenario.